Today the European Commission has published the white paper which sets out recommendations for EU climate and energy targets for 2030. The EU has already committed to a GHG reduction of 80-95% by 2050 and the year 2030 represents the halfway point. The paper recommends 40% GHG reductions, supported by an EU-wide 27% target for renewable energy but has delayed setting a target for energy efficiency.

Peter Young, Chairman of the Aldersgate Group said: "The Aldersgate Group is very disappointed by the lack of ambition shown by the European Commission today. The UK Government has had the foresight to argue in favour of a 50% emissions reduction target, which would create jobs, save public money on healthcare and galvanise the rest of the world into taking ambitious action on climate change.

"The EC's decision to ignore the UK's recommendation is deeply short-sighted and dispiriting; a 40% target effectively locks out the possibility of a two degree temperature rise and puts our low carbon sector on an uncompetitive trajectory. This puts the brakes on growth in a sector that has been growing at nearly 4% a year. The progressive businesses, organisations and individuals that comprise our membership will be lending their support to our Government to ensure that this set-back does not become entrenched in EU policy."